Kingston, NY—On August 29, 2024, Spencer Lane, age 38, of Saugerties, was convicted after jury trial in Ulster County Court before the Honorable James Farrell, visiting Judge from Sullivan County, for the felonies of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and the misdemeanors of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle in the Third Degree, and Menacing in the Second Degree. The charges in the indictment stemmed from three separate incidents in the Town of Saugerties dating back to July of 2022.
On July 22, 2022, a Blue Subaru was reported stolen from Monro Muffler in Saugerties. A review of video surveillance revealed the theft of the vehicle the previous night. Further review of the surveillance showed that a Red Nissan was stolen from the same business two days earlier. The prompt investigation by members of the Saugerties Police Department led to the defendant as a suspect.
The defendant, who was residing at the Wenton Motel on Route 9W in Saugerties, voluntarily admitted to taking both vehicles and thereafter took the police to the locations in Kingston where he had left them unbeknownst to the owners. Defendant was in possession of the keys to both vehicles. Defendant did not testify but his defense at trial was that he was merely “joyriding”.
After being released on an appearance ticket, the Saugerties Police responded exactly one week later to the Wenton Motel for complaint that the defendant was menacing the Motel owners with a switch blade, placing them in fear for their safety. This conduct was elevated to a felony due to the defendant having a prior felony conviction; however, under New York law the defendant admitted the prior conviction ahead of jury selection so that the jury was not permitted to hear evidence about it.
At his sentencing on November 14, 2024, the DA’s Office expects to put before the Court the defendant’s extensive criminal history and multiple convictions, including numerous breaks and lenient treatment.
Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Paul Derohannesian prosecuted the case with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Jillian Gentile. Defendant was represented in the trial by Chief Assistant Ulster County Public Defender Clifford Owens.
